Portugal on wildfire alert amid heatwave and severe drought

A protester carries a water bottle while marching with others towards the parliament in hot weather (Armando Franca/AP)

Portugal’s government has declared an eight-day state of alert due to a heightened risk of wildfires, as the drought-stricken country prepares for a heatwave with temperatures as high as 43 degrees Celsius.

The weather brings with it “a significant worsening of the wildfire risk” until July 15, a joint statement from five government departments said.